Tourister plan goes public Oct. 7

Warren residents may not have to wait much longer to hear details on the latest plan for the so-called American Tourister plant.

Warren Town Planner Caroline Wells has been speaking with officials from Brady Sullivan, the New Hampshire development firm that purchased the mill property earlier this year for $2.6 million. She is trying to set up a “concept review” meeting before the Warren Planning Board on Monday, Oct. 7. The meeting is not yet set, as Ms. Wells is trying to determine if there will be a quorum.

Brady Sullivan officials have been very quiet since purchasing the landmark property at a court-ordered sail this past Spring. The property, which features 1,400 feet of riverfront access, became available when its former owners MMF Realty, went into receivership, a form of bankruptcy. Brady Sullivan beat out Bristol Marine, which bid $2.5 million for the property and had hoped to use it to expand its marine trade holdings.

There has been no word yet from Brady Sullivan on the new plan for the property. However, officials recently informed Ms. Wells that they will be basing their plans for the property on a Master Plan approved for the property five years ago, when would-be developer Meredeith Management was still considering turning the mill into a series of condominiums and commercial spaces. That Master Plan is valid until next year, and Ms. Wells said Brady Sullivan intends to use it as a starting point for its own plans. The Manchester, N.H.-based firm specializes in turning mills into residential units.

Meredith Management walked away from the project in the midst of the economic downturn, saying the market had changed and made its plans finanicially unfeasible.